Edgar a



(No Model.)

I E. A.,AU ST IN.

ADJUSTABLE PITCH R001? LADDER.

No. 505,343; Patented Sept. 19, 1893.

- UNITED STATES PATENT EDGAR A. AUSTIN, OF HANNIBAL, MISSOURI.

ADJUSTABLE PITCH-ROOF LADDER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 505,343, dated September 19, 1893.

Application filed December 29, 1399. Serial No. 376,183. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDGAR A. AUSTIN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Hannibal, in the county of Marion and State of Missouri, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Adjustable Pitch-Roof Ladders; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the in vention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My .invention relates to improvements in pitched roof ladders or that class of ladders designed for use upon inclined planes; and it has for its general object to provide a ladder of the character stated of a cheap and and simple construction and one embodying devices whereby it may be fixed in position by its own Weight.

A further object of the invention is to provide a pitched roof ladder embodying such a construction that the steps or platforms may be readily fixed in a horizontal position irrespective of the inclination of the main frame.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be fully understood from the following description and claim when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing in which the figure is a perspective view of a ladder embodying my invention.

Referring by letter to said drawing:-- A, indicates the main frame of my improved ladder, which comprises the side bars A, and a suitable means, as cross bars I), for connecting said side bars, and (3, indicates spurs or barbs which are designed and adapted to take into or engage a pitched roof or inclined plane upon which the ladder is placed so as to securely hold the same in position thereon. These spurs O, are preferably connected-to the bars A',through the medium of threadedshanks which are formed inte gral with the spurs, whereby it will be seen that the said spurs may be readily removed when dulled or broken, and may be as readily replaced and secured in position which is an important advantage.

Pivotally connected to the side bars A, of

the frame A, at suitable intervals in the length thereof, are arms B, to which the steps or platforms F, of myimproved ladder are connected. These steps or'platforms F, are sup ported by the pivoted legs B, which are provided at their lower ends with points 0, designed and adapted to engage the apertures E, in the bars A.

In order to increase the strength and durability of the ladder, I prefer to form the points 0, of iron or steel and provide the same with plates (1, whereby they may be readily connected to the legs; and I also prefer to reinforce the apertures E, with metallic plates D, which may be connected to the side bars in any approved manner.

By the provision of the series of apertures E, in conjunction with each pair of lugs B, it will be perceived that after the ladder has been placed upon a pitched roof or other inclined plane, the steps or platforms may be readily adjusted to and fixed in a horizontal position so that a workman may easily climb to the apex of a roof or may work in comfort at any point between the apex and the eaves.

When the ladder is placed upon a roof or other inclinated plane, it will be seen that it will of its own weight, press the barbs or spurs C, sufficiently far into the roof to securely hold it in position, and it will be further perceived that the greater the weight placed upon the ladder, the more securely will it be held in position, which, as is obvious, is a highly important advantage.

It will be seen from the foregoing description taken in connection with the drawing that my improved ladder is very simple and strong in construction; that the steps or platforms may be quickly and easily adjusted to and fixed in a horizontal plane, and that the ladder may be placed and secured in position upon an inclined roof by a person standing at or adjacent to the eaves thereof.

Having described my invention, what I claim is- In a ladder for the purpose described, the combination with a frame comprising the side bars provided with the apertures E, and

the reinforcing plates D; of the arms B, piv- In testimony whereof Iaffix my signature in otally connected to the side bars, the steps presence of two witnesses; or platforms mounted on the arms B, the piv- EDGAR AUSTIN.

oted supporting legs, and the points connect- 5 ed to the legs and adapted to engage the ap- Witnesses:

ertures E, substantially as and for the pur- HARRY TRESEIZE, pose set forth. 7 ELMER ARMENTROUT. 

